1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
At Hakem Energies, we provide comprehensive end-to-end bulk LPG solutions, ensuring safety, efficiency, and accessibility through our robust networks. Our commitment goes beyond business; we are dedicated to making a positive impact in communities by delivering clean energy where it is needed most.
Our Offerings Include:
✔ Bulk Infrastructure Installations: We design and implement tailored infrastructure solutions that ensure reliable access to LPG.
✔ Maintenance & Safety Compliance: We prioritize safety through regular maintenance services and adherence to stringent compliance standards.
✔ Smart Metering & Monitoring: Our advanced real-time tracking technology optimizes consumption, helping our clients manage their resources effectively.
✔ Bulk LPG Supply & Distribution: We guarantee dependable deliveries for a range of sectors, including industrial, commercial, and residential use.
Making a Difference:
The most impactful aspect of our work is our initiative to bring clean energy to marginalized communities through our innovative HakemLPGBoxes. We believe that energy access should not be a privilege reserved for a few but a fundamental right for all. By providing affordable and efficient LPG solutions, we empower communities to improve their quality of life, support local businesses, and promote sustainable practices.
Through our community-focused initiatives, we strive to create pathways for economic growth and enhance overall well-being. At Hakem Energies, we are not just delivering energy solutions; we are fostering empowerment and inclusivity in the communities we serve. Together, we can work towards a future where clean energy is accessible to everyone.
2. When, how, and why did you start your business?
I have been an entrepreneur for 14 years, driven by my passion for creating impactful solutions that address real-world challenges. In 2022, I founded Hakem Energies with a clear mission: to serve as a catalyst and advocate for combating energy poverty. My journey has shaped this mission profoundly, as I was born and raised in an environment plagued by energy poverty. This experience positions me not just as a victim of the issue, but as a powerful advocate who understands the realities of living without reliable energy access.
Currently, over 900 million people in Africa lack access to clean cooking solutions, relying on harmful methods such as paraffin, coal, wood, and animal dung. This reliance brings forth numerous socio-economic challenges, particularly affecting women, who are often tasked with collecting fuel and preparing meals. The implications of energy poverty ripple through communities, impacting health, education, and economic opportunities.
At Hakem, our mandate is clear: we aim to provide Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to marginalized communities, ensuring it is accessible, available, and affordable. By offering a cleaner cooking solution, we strive to uplift communities, empower women, and foster socio-economic development. Our commitment is not only to address the immediate need for energy but also to champion a sustainable and equitable future for all.
3. What is your role in the business?
As the CEO of Hakem Energies, I am responsible for setting the vision and strategic direction of the company. My key responsibilities include:
1. Vision and Direction: I establish the overarching goals and strategies to address energy poverty, ensuring that all decisions align with our mission to provide accessible and affordable energy solutions to marginalized communities.
2. Stakeholder Management: I build and maintain relationships with community leaders, government officials, NGOs, and other partners to foster collaboration and enhance our impact in the energy sector.
3. Leadership and Team Development: I lead our team by recruiting and mentoring talent, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, and empowering team members to take ownership of their roles.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: I oversee the assessment of our projects, using data-driven insights to evaluate outcomes and refine our strategies to better meet community needs.
In summary, my role as CEO is to drive our mission forward through strategic leadership, partnership building, and team empowerment, ultimately aiming to create lasting change in the fight against energy poverty.
4. Where did you study, and what did you study?
NHC Accounting – University of JHB (Incomplete). Different industry short courses. Business Development certificate from Wits Business School. Currently finalising my Bachelor of Business Administration with REGENIUS.
5. How did you finance your business?
I initially financed Hakem Energies through self-funding, allowing me to maintain control over our vision and operations. Alongside this, we have successfully partnered with private sector companies through their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives. These partnerships have been instrumental in making LPG equipment more accessible, addressing a significant barrier to clean cooking solutions for marginalized communities.
As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we are actively seeking developmental and impact funds. These resources will enable us to accelerate access to clean cooking solutions for those who need it the most, furthering our mission to combat energy poverty and improve the lives of communities across Africa.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
While no two days are the same, I do have a routine that helps me stay focused and productive. My average workday begins early, around 5 AM, when I take time for personal reflection through reading and prayer. This practice sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
At 6 AM, I head to the gym for a workout. Staying active is essential for maintaining my energy levels and mental clarity, especially given the demands of my role as CEO. By 8 AM, I’m at my desk, diving into administrative tasks and responding to emails. This quiet time allows me to prioritize important communications and plan out my day.
From 10 AM onwards, my schedule typically fills with meetings, which often involve travel to meet with stakeholders, partners, and community members. These meetings are crucial for advancing our mission and fostering relationships that will help us expand our impact.
I make it a priority to return home in time for dinner with my family. This time together is invaluable, providing a chance to reconnect and share experiences from our day.
In the evenings, I usually take some time to review my calendar for the next day, ensuring I’m prepared for what lies ahead. While my workday can be hectic, this routine helps me find balance and stay grounded in my personal and professional life.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
I often joke that true balance is a myth, but what I’ve learned is the importance of making time for the things that matter most to me. While my role as CEO demands a significant amount of time and attention, I prioritize spending quality moments with my family and supporting our kids, as this is critical for our well-being and connection.
To navigate the complexities of both worlds, I intentionally carve out time for family, school, and sports activities, and also for dinners, outings, or just simply being present at home. This commitment to family helps strengthen our bonds and ensures that I am contributing positively to their lives.
Additionally, I recognize the necessity of self-care in maintaining my overall health and effectiveness as a leader. Whether it’s through my morning workouts, quiet reflection, or pursuing personal interests, I make self-care a priority. Taking this time for myself enables me to recharge, stay focused, and ultimately be more present, both at work and at home.
While achieving perfect balance may be elusive, I believe that by intentionally prioritizing my family and self-care, I can create a fulfilling life that honors both my responsibilities and personal commitments.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
What truly drives and inspires me is the potential for impact. I’ve witnessed firsthand how meaningful change can transform individuals and communities. When people experience positive outcomes, they often feel motivated to take that change back to their communities and replicate the impact they’ve experienced.
This ripple effect is powerful and underscores the importance of our work at Hakem Energies. It fuels my passion for providing accessible energy solutions and highlights the broader goal of uplifting marginalized communities. Knowing that our efforts can spark a chain reaction of positive change motivates me to push through challenges and strive for innovative solutions.
Ultimately, it’s the prospect of making a lasting difference in the lives of others that drives me forward and inspires me every day. The idea that we can contribute to a better future and empower individuals to enhance their communities is what keeps my commitment alive and strong
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
I tend to have my best ideas during business travels, walks, and after restful getaways.
Business travels often expose me to new perspectives and ideas, as I interact with diverse people and environments. Engaging with partners, stakeholders, and community members in different settings allows for fresh insights that can spark innovative solutions.
Walking is another effective way for me to generate ideas. It’s a simple yet powerful activity that helps clear my mind and allows for a more fluid thought process. The combination of physical movement and a change of scenery often leads to moments of inspiration and clarity.
Additionally, restful getaways play a crucial role in my creative process. Stepping away from the daily grind gives me the mental space to reflect and recharge. During these times, I can think more freely and creatively, leading to breakthroughs I might not experience in my usual work environment.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
In our business, most of our marketing efforts occur **on the ground**, directly within the communities we serve. This approach is vital because education and awareness around LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) safety are critical for our customers. Through community engagement, we conduct workshops, demonstrations, and safety training sessions to inform and empower residents about safe usage practices. These interactions not only help build trust but also allow us to understand the unique needs of each community.
Another significant aspect of our marketing strategy is leveraging **social media**. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn allow us to reach a broader audience and share valuable content related to our products and safety protocols. We use social media to highlight customer success stories, share educational resources, and promote upcoming events. This digital presence not only aids in generating leads but also fosters a sense of community among our customers.
Additionally, we often collaborate with local influencers and community leaders to amplify our message, ensuring that it resonates with the target audience. By combining on-the-ground efforts with a strong social media strategy, we effectively market our services and generate valuable sales leads while prioritizing education and safety in our outreach.
11. What is next for your business?
The next chapter for our business focuses on expansion and a steadfast commitment to advocacy. We aim to broaden our reach to more communities, ensuring that our services and educational resources are accessible to those who need them most.
As we grow, we will continue to advocate for marginalized communities, making sure their voices are heard in discussions around the just energy transition. This means actively engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and other organizations to highlight the unique challenges faced by these communities and ensuring they are included in conversations about energy solutions.
A crucial part of our strategy involves seeking strategic partners who can help us fight energy poverty. Collaborating with NGOs, corporations, and other entities that share our mission will enhance our capacity to deliver impactful solutions. Together, we can leverage resources, knowledge, and networks to better address the complexities of energy access and affordability in underserved areas.
We are also exploring partnerships and collaborations that can enhance our impact, including potential alliances with community organizations and businesses committed to social responsibility. Our goal is to provide not only access to affordable and safe energy but also to empower these communities with knowledge and resources so they can advocate for their own needs.
Through our expansion and advocacy efforts, and by building strategic partnerships, we are dedicated to ensuring that no one is left behind in this transition toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future. We believe that by working together, we can create lasting change that uplifts all members of society.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
1. Start Where You Are with What You Have: Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment or the “perfect” resources to begin your entrepreneurial journey. Take stock of what you currently have—skills, knowledge, and resources—and use them to take that first step. Every great business starts with an idea and the willingness to act.
2. Embrace Incremental Progress: Rather than striving for one big, overwhelming move, focus on the incremental efforts that lead to sustainable growth. Small, consistent actions can build momentum over time and lead to significant accomplishments. Celebrate each small victory along the way, as they contribute to your larger goals.
3. Cultivate a Daring Spirit: Entrepreneurship requires courage and the willingness to take risks. Don’t shy away from challenges; embrace them as opportunities for learning and growth. A daring spirit will help you push through obstacles and keep you motivated, even when faced with setbacks or uncertainties.
4. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who can provide guidance, encouragement, and mentorship. Connect with other female entrepreneurs to share experiences and resources. Networking is vital in building relationships that can open doors and provide invaluable insights.
5. Stay Resilient and Adaptable: The entrepreneurial journey will have its ups and downs. Resilience is key to navigating challenges and setbacks. Be willing to adapt your ideas and plans as you learn more about your market and your customers.
6. Believe in Yourself: Confidence plays a significant role in entrepreneurship. Trust your instincts and abilities. Self-belief will empower you to overcome challenges and pursue your goals passionately.
7. Advocate for Yourself: Don’t hesitate to negotiate, seek opportunities, and communicate your value. Being your own advocate is essential for standing out and achieving the recognition and success you deserve.
Short bio
Originally from the mining town of Marikana, Refilwe is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker, and strategist. In her 12 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has founded 7 companies in related service areas. Refilwe’s entrepreneurial spirit was inspired and nurtured by her grandmother, a resilient entrepreneur who had a small cooking business and relied on wood, coal, and cow dung for fuel, leading to health and safety concerns.
Refilwe is also the recipient of the 2024 Bold Future Award, and says that winning has been a validation of the work they are doing. “Being in a male-dominated industry, you often feel the need to constantly prove yourself and your expertise,” says Refilwe. “Being recognised by Veuve Clicquot felt like a stamp of approval—it was like someone finally sees you and acknowledges the hard work you’ve put in. It gave me the courage and confidence to keep pushing forward.”
Please reach out on Instagram: @fifi_sebothoma @hakem_energies or LinkedIn: Refilwe Sebothoma
